PUBLIC officials and other private individuals involved in the bungled anti-dengue vaccine program initiated by the Aquino government will face appropriate charges, MalacaƱang said on Tuesday, October 6.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo assured the public that the executive department has made a "forceful action" to ensure that individuals responsible for the immunization of the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine will be held liable.
"The Executive branch has taken forceful action, with the Department of Justice (DOJ) taking the lead and is expected to come up with a resolution before the end of the month," Panelo said in a statement.
"Appropriate charges will be lodged and pursued against government officials and private individuals found responsible by the DOJ for this failed health program for children," he added.
Amid cry for justice of families of children who allegedly died after being inoculated with Dengvaxia, the DOJ is expected to come up with a resolution within this month, in connection with the deaths purportedly caused by the vaccine.
Dengvaxia was administered to over 800,000 people since it was launched by former Health Secretary Janette Garin under the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte's predecessor, erstwhile President Benigno Aquino III.
The Department of Health (DOH) suspended the mass anti-dengue immunization program on December 1, 2017, a day after Dengvaxia-maker Sanofi Pasteur admitted that the vaccine may cause greater risks among recipients who had not previously been afflicted with dengue.
So far, the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) has documented 96 casualties associated with the inoculation of Dengvaxia.
Criminal complaints have been lodged against Aquino, Garin, other health officials, and Sanofi Pasteur in connection with the vaccine fiasco.
On Monday, November 5, the PAO announced that it was considering upgrading the charges against the respondents to murder.
Panelo said Duterte was keeping an eye on the Dengvaxia cases.
"The President is monitoring the issues surrounding the anti-dengue vaccine called Dengvaxia," the Palace official said.
"He hears all the calls for justice of families of children whose deaths are reportedly caused by the said vaccine," he added. (SunStar Philippines)